The UK government’s Film and TV Production Restart Scheme, which was launched in July 2020 amid the Covid pandemic, has supported more than 100,000 jobs for cast and crew on more than 1,200 productions.
The findings are published in an independent report carried out by Nordicity & Saffery Champness LLP on the Film and TV Production Restart Scheme.
The scheme was introduced when the country’s screen industries were struggling to get Covid-related insurance cover from commercial insurers. It protected production companies in the event of new restrictions or outbreaks on set among cast and crew which could force a shutdown.
Oscar-nominated film Living, Bafta nominees Brian & Charles, Blue Jean and Good Luck To You, Leo Grande, as well as major productions including Gentleman Jack, Peaky Blinders and His Dark Materials, were all supported by the scheme. Smaller productions including Help and Steph’s Packed Lunch also got help.
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Productions using the scheme created 63,500 crew positions, plus a further 37,100 cast roles, meaning a total of up to 100,600 production industry workers were given a lifeline by the scheme. The report also shows the scheme created 48,500 full-time jobs both directly in the sector and indirectly through supply chains.
The report found total benefits generated by the scheme were 115 times greater than the cost of delivery. The scheme contributed £2.25 billion to the economy thanks to the jobs created and positive impact on the sectors’ supply chains and wider economy, with costs to the Government expected to be just £19.6 million. The report concluded that this is lower than anticipated thanks to effective work by film and TV companies to manage the risks of Covid during production.
A survey of producers showed that, on average, 73% of registered productions would not have been able to spend the amount of money they did if the scheme did not exist.
Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said: “The Film and TV Restart Scheme protected productions that supported jobs, contributed to our economy and entertained audiences across the world.”
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